Group

Group (of species) [ Taxonomy ]	Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names
Synonyms: Complex, Aggregate (of species)

A species is referred as a "group" (also complex or aggregate) when several different subspecies, variety and forms often with subtle variation in morphology are described from across its vast range.

The variability in such a “complex” may be due to polymorphisms among different populations and individuals of the same species which are ecologically or geographically separated and whose members exhibit high, but not complete, specificity. Otherwise a complex may be due to the presence of multiple distinct (but morphologically similar) species living together in the same habitat.

The classification of a "complex" species remains problematic. There are in fact two tendency about how to classify species : by their differences or by their similarities depending on personal approach of taxonomists to recognizing differences or commonalities between organisms (See also: Lumpers & splitters)

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